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A tree branch instead of a ligature: an unusual accidental hanging

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Abstract

A unique case of accidental hanging due to compression of the neck of an adult by the branches of a coffee tree is reported. The decedent was a 42-year-old male who was found dead in a semi prone position on a slope. His neck was lodged in a wedge formed by two branches of a coffee tree, with his legs angled downwards on the slope. Autopsy revealed two friction abrasions located horizontally on either side of the front of the neck, just above the larynx. The findings were compatible with compression of the neck by the branches of the tree, with the body weight of the decedent contributing to compression. Subsequent complete autopsy examination confirmed the cause of death as hanging. Following an inquest the death was ruled to be accidental.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Forensic Medicine, University of Peradeniya, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

    Amal Nishantha Vadysinghe & Rankothge Pemasiri Jayasooriya

  2. General Hospital Kandy, Kandy, Sri Lanka

    Murugupillai Sivasubramanium

Authors
  1. Amal Nishantha Vadysinghe
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  2. Murugupillai Sivasubramanium
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  3. Rankothge Pemasiri Jayasooriya
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Correspondence to Amal Nishantha Vadysinghe.

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Vadysinghe, A.N., Sivasubramanium, M. & Jayasooriya, R.P. A tree branch instead of a ligature: an unusual accidental hanging. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 13, 441–443 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-017-9902-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12024-017-9902-5

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